A man has been charged with abuse of a corpse following the discovery of his mother’s decomposing body in October 2025. Authorities found the body after receiving a welfare check call due to suspicious conditions at the home.
Discovery of the Body
On October 26, 2025, police responded to a welfare check at a home in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, after receiving reports from the Bensalem Public Works Department about unusual conditions while cutting an overgrown lawn. A neighbor had also reported a foul odor coming from the home.
Upon arrival, 37-year-old Derrick Bouffard exited the house, claiming that he had been about to call authorities because his mother, 70-year-old Cynthia Bouffard, had stopped breathing that morning.
According to court documents, officers discovered Cynthia Bouffard’s body on a mattress in the family room, where it appeared she had been dead for over a week. There were insects, fans circulating the odor, and a strong smell of decomposition. A freezer full of spoiled food and insects was also found.
The Condition of the Body
Cynthia Bouffard’s body was in an advanced state of decomposition, with little flesh remaining. Officers described her body as skeletal and weighing between 50 and 60 pounds. Her eyes were barely visible, and the body had clearly been decomposing for an extended period.
Bouffard’s Care of His Mother
Derrick Bouffard had been his mother’s primary caretaker. Cynthia suffered from dementia and was unable to walk or talk. She was last seen alive in September 2025, and Derrick reportedly searched the internet for information on how to report a death. He also allegedly continued to order food delivery daily, having to walk past his mother’s body each time to retrieve the deliveries.
Charges and Investigation
Derrick Bouffard was charged with abuse of a corpse on March 6, 2026, and taken into police custody. An autopsy conducted in February 2026 concluded that Cynthia Bouffard had likely been dead seven to 10 days before authorities found her body. Her cause of death was attributed to medical issues but was not immediately disclosed.
Family Reaction and Regret
Cynthia Bouffard’s sister, Carrie Acevedo, expressed regret for not doing more to help her sister. She had urged Cynthia to live with her, but Cynthia refused to leave her son behind. Carrie said, “It feels like a movie. It doesn’t feel like it’s real life. I feel regret for not being there, for not doing more.”
Cynthia Bouffard’s Life and Legacy
Cynthia Bouffard, a nurse since 1983, was described in her obituary as a strong-willed woman with a love for dogs, plants, travel, skiing, and racquetball. The obituary states, “Cynthia was a fiercely independent, strong-willed woman, proud of her resilience and ability to stand on her own. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace and reunited with her daughter.”
Court Hearing Scheduled
Derrick Bouffard is scheduled to appear in court on April 8, 2026, for a preliminary hearing.
